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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Powerful Response: Redefining Success and Failure in the NBA
In a world where the pursuit of success often overshadows the value of personal growth and resilience, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent response to a media question on the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA season run serves as a much-needed reminder of what truly matters.
The Bucks entered the playoffs as the No. 1 top seed, with high hopes and expectations surrounding them. However, a shocking defeat at the hands of the 8th seeded Miami Heat left many questioning whether their season was a failure.
It was in this context that Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s superstar and leader, offered a powerful perspective on success, failure, and the real significance of the journey in professional sports.
“There’s no failure in sports,” Antetokounmpo began. “It’s a part of growth. We gave it our all this season, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t succeed in other ways.”
His words reflect a level of maturity and wisdom that is often overlooked in the high-pressure, results-driven world of professional sports. Antetokounmpo’s perspective reminds us that setbacks, disappointments, and unmet expectations are not the sole measures of success. Rather, it is the resilience, unity, and personal growth that come from these experiences that define the true value of a team and its players.
By embracing the lessons of their playoff run and refusing to let it define them, the Milwaukee Bucks have demonstrated the kind of strength and character that transcends the basketball court. Their response to adversity serves as an inspiration to us all, urging us to redefine what success means and appreciate the journey, even when the destination falls short of our hopes.
As Giannis Antetokounmpo’s powerful response continues to resonate with fans and players alike, it’s clear that the Milwaukee Bucks’ season was anything but a failure. It was an opportunity for growth, reflection, and the forging of an unbreakable bond among teammates. In the end, that might be the most valuable achievement of all.
Holy Week: Rekindling our Faith and Reconnecting with Family
In the midst of our fast-paced lives, it is essential to pause and reconnect with our faith and our families.
More than a respite from work or all things that make us busy each day, Holy Week is a time for reflection, growth, and renewal. It is a period where we commemorate the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this edition of Passing Thoughts, let’s explore the profound blessings of Holy Week and the importance of taking this opportunity to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones and our faith.
The Blessings of Holy Week
During Holy Week, we are called to revisit the story of Jesus Christ and the events leading up to His ultimate sacrifice for humanity. It is a time of introspection and spiritual growth, as we acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness. The solemnity of Holy Week serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our journey through life; the love of Christ is always with us, offering guidance, comfort, and salvation.
Reconnecting with Family
As we delve deeper into the meaning of Holy Week, we realize that it is also about the power of love and the importance of community. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate expression of love through His sacrifice, and this love should be reflected in our relationships with our families. Holy Week presents a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones, share our thoughts, and strengthen our bonds.
In today’s realities, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Work, social media, and the pursuit of material things can distract us from nurturing our relationships with family. Holy Week reminds us that life is fleeting, and we must cherish the time we have with our loved ones. Take this time to share meals, engage in conversation, and pray together as a family, so we can grow closer to each other and to our faith.
Rekindling Our Faith in Jesus Christ
Beyond spending time with family, Holy Week is an invitation to renew our commitment to our faith. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual journey and reevaluate our relationship with God. This period of reflection offers an opportunity to rediscover the power of prayer, embrace the teachings of the Bible, and develop a deeper connection with Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on Christ’s passion and resurrection, we are reminded of the incredible mercy and grace He offers. This knowledge should inspire us to strive for a more Christ-centered life, living out the virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in our daily interactions.
Conclusion
Holy Week is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and faith. It is a time to reconnect with our families, strengthen our bonds, and rekindle our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us use this time to grow spiritually, enrich our relationships, and remember the incredible blessings that come with following the path of Christ. As we journey through Holy Week, may we draw closer to our Lord and Savior, and may His love and mercy inspire us to live a more compassionate and faithful life.
Reality Bites, and Funny Slices of Life
Welcome to Passing Thoughts, where we explore the various facets of life in our modern world.
In today’s post, we’ll share some funny, interesting, and thought-provoking slices of life that showcase how reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the peculiar, amusing, and sometimes bewildering landscape of our present realities.
The Ubiquitous Zoom Mishaps
Ah, video conferencing – the lifeline of the remote work era. Though most of us have now mastered the art of the virtual meeting, there’s always that one colleague who doesn’t realize they’re on mute or, worse, doesn’t realize they’re NOT on mute. Remember that time someone forgot to turn off their camera while taking a bathroom break? We look away. It’s these tiny hiccups in the age of Zoom that remind us that life is far from perfect, and that’s okay.
The Pet Invasion
The pandemic saw a surge in pet adoptions, and now our furry friends are taking over. With many of us working from home, our pets have become coworkers, often with their own agendas. From cats commandeering keyboards to dogs barking through conference calls, these lovable nuisances remind us to take a break, laugh, and appreciate the simple joys in life.
Plantito, Plantita
The houseplant trend has grown exponentially in recent years. It’s as if every millennial’s apartment is now a mini jungle. Whether you’re a proud “plant parent” or not, the obsession with keeping greenery alive and well is both fascinating and comical. There’s something amusing about people who can barely keep themselves fed and watered being responsible for dozens of little green lives.
The Great Toilet Paper Shortage
Remember the time when toilet paper was the hottest commodity in town? People were hoarding, fighting, and even bartering for it. It’s a classic example of how quickly our priorities can shift in times of uncertainty. Future generations will surely laugh at this bizarre moment in history when we scrambled for something as mundane as toilet paper.
The Fitness Tracker Wars
These days, it seems like everyone is sporting a fitness tracker, and the competition is fierce. The constant struggle to reach 10,000 steps a day has turned once leisurely strolls into intense, sweat-inducing workouts. Who knew that the simple act of walking could become a source of bragging rights among friends and family?
Social Media Influencer Phenomenon
Influencers have taken over the internet, and it’s hard to scroll through your feed without encountering an endless stream of sponsored posts, product reviews, and glamorous vacation shots. The rise of social media influencers is both bewildering and entertaining, as it forces us to question the value we place on “likes” and “follows.” In a world where “do it for the gram” is a common phrase, it’s worth contemplating the line between genuine connection and virtual validation.
Conclusion
Zoom mishaps to plant parenthood, the present realities of our lives offer countless opportunities for humor, fascination, and introspection. Embracing the quirky and chaotic aspects of our world can help us stay grounded and remember not to take ourselves too seriously. So, the next time reality bites, take a moment to laugh, ponder, and appreciate the beautifully absurd tapestry that is modern life.
Have a great weekend!
Everyday Is A Brand New Day
In a world filled with fast-paced lifestyles and constant distractions, it’s too easy to get caught up in the daily grind, forgetting to appreciate the magic of a fresh start.
We’ve all heard the saying “every day is a new day,” but how often do we truly embrace this concept and take full advantage of the opportunities it presents? In this edition of Passing Thoughts, we explore the power of the brand new day and how to harness its potential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Waking Up With A Fresh Perspective
Each morning, as you open your eyes and greet the day, remind yourself that today is a brand new opportunity to create something meaningful, overcome challenges, and make connections with others. By starting your day with a positive mindset, you set the stage for a more productive and fulfilling experience.
Embracing the Unexpected
It’s easy to get caught up in routines and stick to what feels comfortable. However, every new day brings the possibility of surprises, both good and bad. Embrace the unexpected by remaining open-minded and adaptable. Remember, growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, so be prepared to seize the opportunity when it arises.
Letting Go of Yesterday’s Baggage
Sometimes, the weight of our past mistakes or unresolved issues can hold us back from fully experiencing the present moment. Remember that each day is a fresh start, and it’s never too late to make amends or let go of negative emotions. Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and others, to lighten your load and make room for new experiences.
Setting Daily Intentions
Take a few moments each morning to set your intentions for the day. Whether it’s completing a specific task, working on a personal goal, or simply spreading kindness to those around you, setting clear intentions can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
Celebrating Small Victories
Everyday victories, no matter how small, are worth celebrating. Did you complete a challenging task? Express gratitude? Offer support to a friend? Reflect on these accomplishments at the end of each day and give yourself credit for your progress.
Cultivating Gratitude
Focusing on the things we’re grateful for can help us approach each new day with a sense of appreciation and joy. Start a gratitude journal, or simply take a few moments each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. By focusing on the good, you’ll find it easier to handle challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
Looking Ahead
Embracing the notion that every day is a brand new day can be a transformative experience. With a fresh perspective, open-mindedness, and a focus on personal growth, each day becomes an opportunity to make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. By cultivating gratitude, setting intentions, and celebrating small victories, you can make the most of every day and truly appreciate the beauty of a fresh start.
My Lenten Reflections
From my photo album "AnyoneCanShootAsAnyCamWillDo"
Most Catholics (save for those who may have other ways of observing spiritual devotion) are taking a respite in the coming Lent as a way to pause and reflect on Christ’s sufferings and His love for us.
This week offers an excellent opportunity for those whose acts of penance are rather manifested annually (only during Lenten season) than those who are taking it as a matter of life’s daily challenges.
As each of us endeavors to renew our faith for the One who’s responsible for everything that we are and all that we have, it is but fitting to offer this week to Him with prayers as a show of gratitude for His unfailing, unconditional, and infinite love.
I wish to share the foregoing prayer by William Barclay (which has been shared a hundred times on various blogs) to everyone who takes time to read this blog, with hopes that each day of your life– is a day of constant reflection and a day full of blessings:
Create For Me A Perfect Day
O God help me to make today a perfect day
at the end of which I will have nothing to regret.
Help me To do my work as well as it can possibly be done;
To treat everyone with perfect courtesy and kindness;
To conquer every temptation and to say no to everything that is wrong.
Help me Not to annoy anyone else and not allow myself to become annoyed;
Not to lose my temper and not to do things which will make others lose theirs;
Not to do anything foolish or thoughtless, cruel or unkind.
Help me To be cheerful and kind;
To be brave and strong;
To be pure and true.
This I ask for Your love’s sake. Amen
o-O-o
I’d like to thank my good friend Amy Cabusao, editor-in-chief of Mindanao Times for her gift “Carillon of Prayers” booklet, and whose meeting I have with days ago originally centered on how best to advocate Mindanao’s priorities, but ended up with me realizing that communicating and advocating this prayer takes utmost precedence, among all other things.
o-O-o
“Nothing compares in this world to the love God has given us. For we may find reasons to love, but God loves us without reasons.”–Anonymous
‘Ides of March’
On March 15, 2011 (or in about few hours from posting this blog) the world will come to terms with some interesting historic and astronomical phenomena not known to many.
The Ides of March refers to the 15 March in the Roman calendar. According to Wikipedia, the term ides was used to refer to the 15th day of March, May, July and October. In other months, ides refers to the 13th day.
Ides of March can go by any other references depending on what important event was tied to it. But in world history, it marked the bloody assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.
In a 2004 story by the National Geographic, it said ancient Romans living before the Caesar’s death, referred to ides as merely one of several common calendar terms used to mark monthly lunar events. It simply marked the appearance of the full moon.
But the Ides of March assumed a whole new identity after the events of 44 B.C. The phrase came to represent a specific day of abrupt change that set off a ripple of repercussions throughout Roman society and beyond (note: and beyond).
Now here’s the catch: over the next couple of hours when the date turns March 15, 2011, the earth, as scientists and astronomers have announced since last year, will begin to experience a more notable pole shift—meaning, the North Magnetic Pole where compass arm usually points to, will deviate by about 20 degrees. It’s called polar shift, with a timeline concluding in 2012.
There is nothing extraordinary actually. The North Magnetic Pole normally moves slowly over time due to magnetic changes in the Earth’s core. In 2001, it was determined to lie near Ellesmere Island in northern Canada and in 2009, it was moving toward Russia at a rate between 34 and 37 mi (55-60 km) per year.
But this year’s shift is way too significant at 20 degrees. What this means is that, in real terms the compass needle will deviate by about 20 degrees of its direction from the supposed N (North) sign. But we won’t notice it because the compass will still show the needle pointing to the N sign, which is movable. Are you lost? I hope not yet.
Meanwhile, in astronomy March 15, 2011 also represents a very interesting phenomenon–the planetary alignment of Sun, Earth and a recently discovered comet named Elenin (named after amateur Russian astronomer who discovered it, Leonid Elenin).
While hundreds of video streams about last Friday (March 11) Japan tremor and tsunami now spreading viral over on the net and YouTube, with views going by the millions, a less patronized YouTube posting uploaded last month and reposted just on March 8 (or 3 days before the Japan quake), discussed the probability of major earth shakeout within the pacific rim between March 11-15. The author even warned viewers about staying away from known faultlines lying in the pacific.
The simple assumption, albeit scientific, was based on the planetary and Elenin comet alignment which first occurred in February 27th last year when a major quake rocked Chile. The same exact alignment was expected to take place from March 11-15 and with tremor activities affecting areas within the pacific rim. Fact: the alignment started on March 11, coinciding with Japan’s 8.9 earthquake.
Last Saturday (March 12), Japanese authorities announced the country is bracing for a 70 percent possibility of new major tremors over the next few days.
Whether or not something phenomenal (resulting from planetary alignment) is going to happen on March 15 remains to be seen, but what we have seen so far is that, these stories and events had been foretold but we chose to ignore because we’d rather not be ridiculed for believing in doomsday prophecies.
It’s quite interesting to note the U.S. FEMA and Homeland Security had put forth a readiness campaign, particularly citing earthquakes and tsunamis. They even set to stage a simulated earthquake drill dubbed, The Great Central US Shake Out slated on April 28 at 10:15 a.m. Do they know something the rest of the world doesn’t know about?
Whether such scenarios are products of rumors or not, facts or fiction, biblical or scientific discussions– it pays to be ready physically and spiritually.
The Ides of March is about to set in. Let’s hope and pray that it becomes just– another ordinary day.
Invest In Your Future, Now!
Short term pain, long term gain. A wise man once said this to drive a solid point–that what we make of our lives at the moment is what we can become in the future.
It may seem pointless sometimes to look ahead or seek beyond when what matters to life is what occurs today. Why would someone want to endure self-imposed limits when all that is essential to life is to live to its fullest today.
Rightly so. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Leave all the troubles behind for tomorrow, and make the most of what you have today.
Go buy yourself signature clothes and bags, expensive shoes, dazzling jewelry, latest smartphones and gadgets, spanking new wheels, fantastic travels and tours, and the long list could go on and on. You worked hard for it, therefore you deserved to enjoy every bit of it.
But what if in an unexpected turn of event, and in a bizarre twist of fate you suddenly find yourself waking up to a day under an entirely different circumstances. What if you figured out in an accident, or your job is gone, and your savings depleted, and family and friends whom you can turn to for help were not around? Would life be the same?
It doesn’t take an MBA or a PhD to spot the obvious, but plain common sense and a revised outlook in life. Investing in future is what makes a whole world of difference in securing a better, meaningful, and fulfilled life.
Do I sound like an insurance guy? I do, but not quite. There is still much to learn from an industry that does the basic business of making people live a secured life and future.
I am never good at sales. I’m only good at selling an idea, philosophy, principle, opinion, and standpoint. That’s why I’m piecing this post together to present a thesis that there is pure wisdom in investing in future today and not wait for tomorrow.
I have had the opportunity to listen to an insurance expert from a leading insurance firm Grepalife before and what he shared left me wanting to follow his advice and work on the following 12 Steps to Building Wealth:
1. Know the obstacles to getting rich
2. Know what you want and dream big
3. Find out where you are and what you have
4. Make saving a lifelong habit
5. Spend your money wisely
6. Get out and stay out of debt
7. Find ways to earn more, to save more
8. Prepare for life’s financial challenges
9. Plan for a hassle-free and comfortable retirement
10. Grow your money through smart investing
11. Take care of your health to enjoy your wealth
12. Share your blessings and receive more good things
They say what you were used to doing is a hard habit to break. But if you opt to take the right course and keep tab on what’s more important in life, then nothing can be more sensible than going through momentary pain, if it would mean achieving a lifetime of gain.
Invest in your future, Now!
The era of tablets: Prelude to a wider digital divide?
No one predicted its emergence decades ago but as we now see, these latest gadgets are about to become as ubiquitous as mobile phones over the next few years as more and more people are fast becoming tech savvy, internet addicts and social network slaves (wait a minute, is this me?).
My very first personal mobile phone way back in 1997 was an analog Nokia 501, with a famous shape that closely resembles that of a traditional ice shaver popularly used by households during the 80’s to tediously prepare a soothing halo-halo.
Next came the era of GSM phones with models that enabled the transmission of SMS in no more than 40 characters however, compared to the 160 characters capacity per sending of most latest phone models today.
In 2000, when text messaging became very popular, I had my phone upgraded to the more fashionable and sleek at that time– the handy and trendy Nokia 5110 with changeable faceplates that come in different colors and designs.
By 2001 and 2002, Nokia had launched a flurry of slimmer and more compact mobile phone models with better features. And building on the revolutionary path of text messaging, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) took mobile communication to a new height.
With MMS-enabled mobile phones, people are able to send still images, video clips, text and audio messages over the air, especially with phones that have an integrated camera (who could forget the Nokia 7650, the world’s first phone with integrated camera designed for GSM networks).
Moving on to 2003, I had my first taste of a PDA (personal digital assistant) gadget with HP Jornada which allowed me to mostly send and receive work related emails with attachments, and remotely browse through the internet for news updates.
Then in 2005, I upgraded to PDA integrated mobile phone, the once famous XDA, then the XDAIIs, which I still keep to this day and sometimes use as an alternate phone for other pre-paid numbers.
Fast forward to 2008, just as emails had become a regular part of my 24/7 life, I started to enjoy and appreciate the convenient features of a Blackberry phone (the very phone brand I then considered as “alien” since I was used to having Nokia and XDA models).
With its push email features, email messages get to my phone inbox real-time the way text messages do the moment they are sent to me. On top of that, I wouldn’t be needing a PC to browse the web, interact through Facebook and Twitter, and even post for my blog.
But 2010 left a phenomenal mark with the launch of such revolutionary products as iPad (Apple), Black Pad (Blackberry), Eee Pad (Asus), Idea Pad (Lenovo), Palm Pad (HP), Galaxy Tab (Samsung) and several other GSM and wi-fi enabled touchscreen devices now popularly referred to as tablets. Unfortunately though, I have other more pressing priorities at this time than setting my eyes on any one of these.
No doubt, these gadgets are sure to change the way communicating and computing is done, just as technology is now changing the way societies and civilizations are interacting with each other across cultures, ages and races, regardless of time, distance and space.
But the other part of reality could be is that these tablets are just another prelude to a more convenient future for the ‘haves’ while offering a bit complex one for the ‘have-nots’. One blogger who wrote about digital divide correctly puts it: “At a time when nearly everyone seems to be on the internet all the time, a few demographic groups appear to be permanently stuck in the digital dark ages.”
At the end of the day, the ultimate question is—how would these techy gadgets collectively be of use for the good of humanity?
Well, in the meantime, I need to take my other usual tablet– 500 mg paracetamol, for fever.
A ‘different’ kind of Christmas
I have never felt a Christmas like this my entire life.
My vivid recollection of the Yuletide Season way back as a child was one full of excitement and fun. I always thought of it as the time of the year when our neighbor starts firing their bamboo canon, when my uncles play with firecrackers, and when a bunch of kids sing out-of-tune carols with stones and empty cans as accompaniment. I know it’s Christmas the moment I hear Jackson 5’s Christmas album saturate the airwaves with timeless Christmas hits.
When I was growing up, the observance of the Holidays became merrier. I have never seen Santa dropped by in the middle of the night with his supposed bag of goodies as the story is frequently told, but I did catch my mother one time stocking in something inside a pair of socks I earlier hung atop our Christmas tree. For six straight years from the time I turned 7 till I became 12, there was never a December 25 morning that I failed to show up in my favorite Ninong’s doorsteps.
Year after year, the feeling of Christmas gets kindler. I started to look forward to giving (and receiving) gifts and sending and receiving Christmas cards and holiday greetings from friends and relatives here and abroad. The feeling is so exhilarating that I wish each day is a Christmas day.
Until this year, I realize not all Christmases are the same. This year’s not just the one I grew up wishing for and definitely not the kind of celebration I use to exceedingly enjoy. While everybody else was perhaps busy partying, I was busy praying– for compassion, blessings, forgiveness, guidance, endurance, patience, perseverance and understanding.
We’re going through one of the most difficult times of our lives, which to a certain measure is quite a bit disturbing that I almost forgot Christmas is at the door knocking. But the tricky reality of life caught up on us and is casting a shadow of gloom.
What saddens us to see is that there were some whom we thought were our friends, but defined friendship in an entirely different context. They were individuals who find it fulfilling to feast on our struggles and pains, and who derive satisfaction at having ridiculed us amidst our plight, instead of showing compassion and understanding. We may be this low at this point in our lives, but our dignity as humans remains at all time high.
We just pray that apart from being able to weather this storm, none of our friends (and even those who treated us unfairly) and those dear to us, would have to endure the same kind of burden we’re working each and every single day to unload.
Ours is a load so heavy it brought us down to our knees, literally and figuratively. We didn’t realize at first but figured it out eventually, that everything has happened for a reason–to be closer to Him, the very meaning of what Christmas is all about.
If we have to go through every Christmas like the one we’re having now, then by all means and beyond the threshold of pain and hardships, we are more than honored and glad to endure this not just every Christmas time, but even each and every single day of the year–if it meant nurturing and enriching our personal relations with Him.
This year’s just an entirely different Christmas, but definitely the most meaningful one for us.
Have a merry and forgiving Christmas and a joyful and spiritually rejuvenating New Year!
A smile on everyone's face, is a priceless Christmas gift. (Thanks to Bejun & Michelle, and to Jessica May, Jean and Mat for making us part of your cause).
Amid the test of times, we still find way to help reach out during a gift giving for less fortunate kids initiated by my New York-based sister in law Michelle.
Mindanao gets a slice of greatness with Manny
Photo courtesy of Texas-based former classmate Joel Villegas, taken minutes after the fight.
For the next few days, Mindanao will get its fair share of national and international media attention that is opposite the traditional “restive south, conflict-ridden, strife-torn, war zone, kidnappers’ haven, terrorists’ refuge” kind of convenient media labeling and tagging.
As we turn the pages of online news sites and blogs, and browse through national papers, it’s a sigh of relief to see Mindanao being referred to as Pacman’s humble origin. This is the period when the number of negative stories about Mindanao are outscored, out-punched and virtually KO’d by the stories of Manny’s triumph–particularly with reference to him being congressman of Sarangani and son of Mindanao.
I remember in 2006, I sought the help of Carol Arguillas, MindaNews editor-in-chief, who then tapped Professor Tony de Vera and his associates from UP Mindanao, to undertake a study on national media reportage of Mindanao. Few months later, the study entitled, “Reporting Mindanao: Content Analysis of National Broadsheets and Their Coverage of Mindanao” was completed.
The results weren’t surprising. It validated the findings of an earlier similar study done by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) in 2000, which cited that 7-8 out of average 10 stories about Mindanao as reported by major national broadsheets are about war, conflict, kidnapping, terrorism and similar topics revolving around violence.
In the 2006 paper by Carol, Prof. de Vera et al., what was worth noting is that for the duration of the study, negative stories about Mindanao were shun by stories of Manny knocking out Mexican legend Erik Morales. While the stories generally refer to Manny being the greatest boxer, Mindanao was referred to on a number of times as the place of his humble beginnings.
Apart from the usual reduction of crime rates and armed clashes between government forces and rebel groups when the country is in a state of standstill each time Manny fights, the labeling of Mindanao both by national and international media is also accorded with better perspective both in pre-fight and post-fight coverage. And that every time Manny raises the Philippine flag inside the ring, Mindanao in particular, gets a slice of his greatness.
Passing Thoughts 